conteusemagique

[conteusemagique]

  Perhaps it was because of her own habits that she picked up on the hint of worry behind his smile. Experience, passing years during which she did the same, made her more capable at picking up at masked anxiety. There was no need for her to ask why when it was so obvious, and she wouldn't have either way. There was no reason to press on a stranger's concerns. The simplest and best way she could help was by getting him to shore as quickly as possible, and by putting in a good effort to help him stay at ease until they arrived.

     ⚓↠”You don't need to apologize. It wasn't your intentions, right?"

  A serene and reassuring smile stayed firmly in place on Wadanohara's features. No, he had hardly changed her plans, seeing as she had nothing in particular scheduled to begin with. A trip to Rainbow Isle was all she had in mind, but delays could be afforded. The little witch and her familiars had all the time they needed to explore the sea and all it had to show. She was in no rush at all.

     ⚓↠”It's nice to meet you, Phantom R! Ah-"

     ⚓↠”... Mere human?"

  A curious look was given to 'Phantom R'- an odd alias. The inner corners of her eyebrows turned upwards as she considered his choice of words. What a harsh way to speak about himself, or his species as a whole, really. Wadanohara had never met many of them, but humans were quite capable, from what she had heard. Potentially dangerous at times, although she didn't fear him any. Why would he choose to word his statement in such a way?

     ⚓↠”That's... a strange way to talk about yourself. But thank you, Phantom R. Some of my friends call me Wada, if that's easier for you."

  Her more cheerful expression returned as she pushed her previous thoughts aside. What ever reasons he may have, that's none of her concern. Although, it was good for her to clear up his issue with her name. It was something stumbled over often, and the shorthand was popular for that very reason.

To be completely honest with himself, he was not very reassured to be left alone. Unknown locations had a tendency to feed up his old instincts and, as enchanting the little cabin was, with all the marine-themed artifacts and the reassuring, familiar light of moon passing through the window, it was an unknown location, on a boat far from any coast, the little captain said so herself. Still, her kindness sort of put him at ease. Made him feel… at home, like he was always welcomed, though he never met her before- and probably will never see her again after that adventure. As she turned away, Phantom R so answered:

“Merci, mademoiselle. Thank you.”

And thus, while she was away to command the change of their course- his mind made it sound so easy! He could pass the time watching the cabin’s décor, counting seconds with the waves crashing below. Or at his side, it was hard to tell when the water surrounded one’s boat. One wave, two waves, the kind of sounds that went from peaceful to mildly worrying. Three waves, four waves, a creeping melancholia.

To the sixteenth or seventeenth, he quickly lost a faithful count, he heard the little captain coming back and greeted her with the most serene smile he could conjure up.

“I should be the one to apologize to change your plans so suddenly…” Well, now it seemed like they had a lot of time before them to start a conversation. And introductions. And little words that made Phantom R’s mind click with a mixed feeling of understanding and misunderstanding- though should he really be surprised that a sea witch was inhabiting this world? Probably not, but that still raised a lot of questions for him. And he had an eternity of waves to ask them. But first, answering her own.

“My name? Oh, you can just call me Phantom R… Mere human, I think. It’s nice to meet you, Wadana— Wadanohara? Quite a beautiful sea you’re keeping, if I ever saw one.”

[conteusemagique]

  How odd that her visitor would choose to be silent. Perhaps they were nervous? If that were the case, she would do her best to put them at ease- However, she would do so face-to-face. With a pleasant smile one would expect from her, Wadanohara finished preparing both cups of hot cocoa and turned to meet her guest in the main room. Shock would quickly have that happy expression turn sour, and the drinks slipped from her hands when her eyes fell on the guest that had settled himself in her chair.

     ⚓↠”....Sal?"

  The despair, mingled within her anxiety, was quite audible in her voice. Had her visitor been anyone else, maybe she would be more concerned about the broken glass or hot liquid seeping slightly into her shoes.

     ⚓↠”What.... are you doing here? You need to leave!"

{♪}”…..~♪”

Fun!After the ordeal faces with the attempt for the red sea to arise again he escaped.Why he did not think he would find his way to the blue sea again.Especially with ease,you would of thought they would spruce up security.Ah but that’s their own negligence for assuming the threat was gone for good when he’s presence proves other wise.He sat on a chair calmly waiting for the sea witch to come back.Won’t she be just thrilled to see him again?

[conteusemagique]

  A sympathetic smile was offered to the boy. Wadanohara had to admit, she felt very bad for him. Never before had she ended up in a situation like his, but she could imagine how one might feel if they did. While she was the sea witch, able to travel the ocean waves or swim through the depths with her magic, he couldn't do such a thing. For a human, ending up in the middle of the water meant helplessness. How fortunate that she was here to help him.

     ⚓↠”I'll be right back. Make yourself comfortable."

  With that, she turned and made her way from the cabin in order to find Fukami. The octopus didn't seem overly thrilled with her explanation. Of course he wouldn't be, with some stranger ending up on their boat so suddenly. He was always more wary of people than Wadanohara was- much smarter, as well. However, even if he was still unconvinced of their new company's innocence, she managed to convince him to stay there and make way to land.

     ⚓↠”I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."

  The little witch's voice chimed as she returned to the cabin. She settled herself in the seat opposite of her guest, smoothing her dress across her lap before looking back up to him. She had nearly forgotten something important, hadn't she? There was plenty of time for talk until the ship docked. She could take care of that now.

     ⚓↠”I forgot to introduce myself sooner. I'm Wadanohara, the sea witch. What's your name?"

Well he could not say he did not expect that answer. After all, even in such a mystic night, he was quite sure you would see Europe’s coasts, at least for, in his foggy childhood memories, longing the streets were there bouquets of lighthouses. That affirmation was just met by a defeated sigh.

“What a pain…” It was mostly for himself, though, as he wondered again how and why he got into such a situation. It was not a haunted museum of a familiar city, or a forest guarded by dragons with the bare teeth of the oh-so missed gray buildings; it was sea, sea and melting stars. Not the captain’s fault- she was willing to help him, even, to change her course for him. That raised other questions as to how she could command a ship, and to what powers; for now, he just returned her a smile and took an offered seat, eyes wandering on the décor.

“Merci, and sorry to cause you so much trouble…!” Suspicious? Well, sure. Phantom R, despite his cool persona, was not one to give a free pass to everyone, sometimes judging on little things; putting sand in his own clocks, one would say. And one could only wonder how a girl of his own age, he who had trouble meeting ends, could be the commander of her own raft. But did he have a choice here? What could a simple girl do against him, anyway…?

[conteusemagique]

faithfuloctopoida got a gift

  Fukami was always reading, wasn't he? It seemed it was no longer than he had picked a book off the shelf of the town's bookstore that he was placing it on their own with all of its pages practically memorized. Wadanohara couldn't say that she was able to understand most of his reading material, but perhaps it was because of watching him that she had picked up an interest in literature as well.

  Clutching a rather heavy-looking book to her chest, the little witch returned from the store in search of her tallest familiar. Knowing him so well, it wasn't difficult to find him, nor was it so hard the task to find a book she was sure he would be interested in. With a bright grin illuminating her features, she approached the octopus.

     ⚓↠”Hey, Fukami!"

     ⚓↠”I brought you a present!"

[conteusemagique]

+15 would like to hear a story

  Oh? Was that the sound of another person arriving? My, what a pleasant surprise. She rather enjoyed having guests over, but rarely had so many. Despite Fukami’s frequent complaints about allowing strangers into her home or onto her boat, she found it a nice distraction to speak to a new face.

     ⚓↠”Just a moment! Have a seat while you wait.”

  Her voice called to the newcomer from the next room over. A friendly sort of tone, welcoming them to make themselves comfortable as she finished her preparations. Only a few short moments later, the young witch would make her way to join them, carrying a tray with an assortment of snacks. Originally, they were prepared for her familiars when they would return, but she could simply make more at a later time if it meant being a good host.

  With a warm smile, she placed the tray down at a nearby table and turned to greet her guest face-to-face.

     ⚓↠”Are you here to hear a story as well?”

[conteusemagique]

  That was an idea she had heard of before in stories, but never considered as an actual possibility. The thought that one could split reality into different branches with their decisions was an amazing one- and it was rather easy to convince Wadanohara when she was the one telling herself about it.

     ⚓↠”It's fine. I... think I understand a little more now."

  In all truthfulness, she still had a lot of unanswered questions. Those were inquiries she kept to herself, however, as she got the feeling the other wouldn't be able to answer either.

     ⚓↠”Huh?"

  Oh, she'd had so much of a surprise in that small window of time that she'd nearly forgotten what she had said only moments prior. She must look silly now.

     ⚓↠”Oh, right. I have a lot of stories, really. I like to tell them to my visitors."

Ah yes, explanations. The most difficult part of any interdimensional meeting. Wadanohara rests her chin in her hand as she carefully considers what to say.

"Ah… I hope you’ll forgive me if I’m not good at this, I’m still kind of new to it myself, but uh… Apparently, for every decision we make, we open up a new universe for every different decision we could’ve made."

Her eyes dart around the room. “… I’m not sure what could’ve diverged me from you, though. You… said you had a story to tell?”

[conteusemagique]

  Upon opening the door, Wadanohara heard yet another sound. Eyes trailed down to the boards beneath her feet where an unfamiliar girl sat, rubbing the back of her head. Oh! Oh no! That sound must have been the door hitting the stranger's head.

     ⚓↠”I- I'm so sorry! Are you alright?"

  Her words were rushed and panicked. However, even as she spoke them, it became quite clear that she hadn't hurt the other too horribly. No, she doubted the other girl would be so quick to sound excited about her proposal of a story if she had been injured too badly. Ah, but she wasn't here for one of the witch's tales after all, it seemed. She had asked for help, and while Wadanohara had no idea what it was that she needed assistance with, she felt that it was her obligation after hitting her with a door.

  Although, in all honesty, she would have felt it was her duty to help the girl even if she hadn't made that mistake. She always took it upon herself to give aide to anyone she could.

     ⚓↠”Of course! I'll help anyway that I can. I... sort of owe you that much now."

Belle had been submerged under the ocean for a long period of time. At first, she could feel the salt water filling up her lungs and began to choke. That is, until a strange shiny light surrounded her and she found herself breathing underwater.

Just to make sure she didn’t have gills or anything, she placed her fingertips lightly on the sides of her neck. Nope. No gills. What the heck? Maybe she really was going crazy from being stranded so long.

Spotting a cabin nearby, she headed towards it. This whole experience was super weird. Maybe she could crash at that place for a little while. Or get help. Yeah! Getting help seemed like a better strategy. After about thirty minutes of knocking, Belle finally gave up and sat down on the porch, leaning against the door. As soon as she made herself comfortable, it opened, and her head made contact with the floor. “Eurgh…!��� She rubbed the back of her head and made contact with what seemed like a young girl. Well, at least someone answered!

"A story? I love stories! I’m all for-" Wait. She was getting off topic! "I mean. Maybe later. Can you help me?"

[conteusemagique]

     ⚓↠”Oh, no, it's alright."

  She reassured the stranger with a gentle smile. It was quite odd that he had managed to get here, and she was still uncertain as to how a normal human boy could pull that off, but Wadanohara was in no position to complain. He was not the first, nor would he be the last, new face to find himself welcomed aboard her ship- Although, that was usually while it was docked! He didn't seem particularly mean-spirited, only lost and in need of help, so she wouldn't treat him any differently than others who found themselves joining her on the ocean waves. Even if she was very confused about him.

     ⚓↠”I'm... not sure how long it will take. We're fairly far out to sea."

  She was, after all, the sea witch- one known to travel deep into the ocean waters. The salty waves stretched as far as the eye could see in the darkness, reaching up until it met with the night sky. It only made her more perplexed about this boy's presence. How could he end up here?

     ⚓↠”I'll go let Fukami know to set course for land. Er... Why don't you have a seat until I return?"

  The little witch motioned towards the table she had previously been sitting at, with its set of five seats and nautical themed decor. Perhaps she should be more suspicious of someone like this boy, but... Ah, well, it was Wadanohara.

‘Oh’ indeed. It was the same reaction that did pass through Phantom R’s teeth. Of course, this boat at sea could only have a crew, though he was surprised that the voice echoing his own murmur was one of a young girl. Both a relief and an oddity, as he expected, in that strange setting, just another sea creature to greet him. But, no! Just a girl around his age in a marine dress, sitting in the cabin as she would probably in her own bedroom. And, apparently, the feeling was mutual. She was probably expecting a member of his crew, not a French redhead with a suave accent, as he tried to sound casual about his whereabouts, tipping his hat to hide from any moon-stroke.

“I should be the one to apologize. Didn’t mean to… land on your ship.” That was the closest he could be of his actual situation as, again, he had not a single recollection of how he got here: one moment he was in Paris’ streets, minding his own business, and another he was in an unknown sea, without any coast, just toping rocks and stars as far as the eyes could see. Experience meant nothing in the multiverse, but he would try to find his way in his dominion: the land, as he pursued with a sheepish grin:

“Actually, if you could drive me to the nearest port, I would appreciate…!”

[conteusemagique]

  Blue eyes scanned the pages of her book as Wadanohara sat at the table in her cabin. Only when the full moon had risen to its place in the sky, and the sun's light had given way to the shine of the stars hovering over the ocean waves, did the little witch tear her eyes from her study material to glance out of the window. On nights like these, anything could happen.

  Funny she would think that as just the oddest thing happened. A voice rang out to her, which would not be too strange, should her familiars all be awake and should that particular sound belong to any of them. Her attention was grabbed in just that sudden moment, and she rose to her feet before making her way to open the cabin door.

     ⚓↠”...Oh!"

  That was... a human? That didn't make any sense. Her ship was in the middle of the ocean at the moment, surrounded only by gentle waves and sea creatures. How could one human boy, who was completely dry mind you, swim his way to her little ship and clamber aboard? Ah, well, how was something she could figure out later. As for now, he probably needed assistance.

     ⚓↠”I'm... sorry. I was just surprised. Do you need my help?"

+conteusemagique

Well, it had to happen. After seeing an array of fishes on his native land, he found himself, led by the strange tides of destiny, lost at sea. At least had he the luck of landing on a boat, though it did not change the oppressive feeling one felt in an unknown world, with no ground afar, drowning in the melting night, with stars so close one could almost steal them away. Well, now that Phantom R was here, he might as well enjoy the atypical setting, try to get around his fingers the blue notes of the waves against the ship, and introduce himself to the owner of that floating habitation- see if he could drive him to the nearest coast, where the few links with his reality were still. So, with an uneasy step on the bridge, he made his way to the cabin.

“Pardon, sorry, is anyone around…? I don’t mind the fishes…!”

[conteusemagique]

     ⚓↠”I don't... understand..."

  Truly, she didn't. Never before had she been in a situation quite like this, and it had quickly pulled her quiet, peaceful evening to an abrupt halt. Who had ever heard of meeting someone who was you, but... not? Although, perhaps it was the shock speaking, she didn't feel like the other was lying.

     ⚓↠”What does that mean? What's... going on here?"

  Would the other be able to explain? Oh, she hoped that she could.

She’d thought she’d heard that voice before.

This isn’t the first time Wadanohara’s met another version of herself, but no matter how many red versions, older versions, younger versions she meets, it doesnt matter; she’ll never cease to be baffled.

She steps up to her double, curious but unafraid.

"Listen, I know this is really, really weird, but I’m Wadanohara. We’re… the same person, except not."

[conteusemagique]

  Her guest seem quite pleased with the welcome he had received, which came as a relief to her. As much as she enjoyed having visitors, she didn't usually see many, so it was of the utmost importance that those who did come around were happy and comfortable.

     ⚓↠”I'm glad to hear it! Although, I'm sorry that others kick you out."

  It was true that most people were not as welcoming to strangers as she usually was. To the average person, having someone they didn't know in their home with them would make them uneasy. However, for what ever reason, she didn't feel that way. She'd rather greet others with as warm of a welcome as possible. Some may see that as stupid or dangerous. Maybe those people were right.

     ⚓↠”I should have introduced myself sooner. I'm the sea witch, Wadanohara. It's nice to meet you, Maxwell."

What a most interesting, strange development. It was as if the demon was for once finally being treated by someone the way that he expected to be treated. Like a guest of honor, with delicacies laid out for him. It was a truly marvelous feeling that Maxwell admitted that.. he did not experience too much as of late.

The demon grinning, Maxwell readily sat down, watching as his host finally sat across from him.

“Have to say, pal, I’m not entirely used to being treated so well. People these days… they seem to so readily toss strangers out. Whatever happened to hospitality like this? I must say, young miss, I am quite pleased. Ah, let me introduce myself before you continue. The name is Maxwell, and though I would love to hear a story, I would as well even more love to know the name of my… gracious host.”

[conteusemagique]

     ⚓↠”I'm afraid I have a biased opinion."

  With a soft smile, she picked up her hot cocoa and took a sip before carefully placing it upon the table once more. Her favorite story? Well, it was an obvious pick. It was her own story, of all the things that had happened in the kingdom years ago, rather than one she'd picked up somewhere in her travels. It was the one she was best at telling, even if all of those who lived near her knew the tale already. However, Hasu was clearly not from around here.

     ⚓↠”My favorite is a little long, but... it does have a happy ending. If you have the time, I can tell it to you."

"Then I shall try my best to leave a good impression"He sits down across from her, taking a sip of the hot cocoa before answering her.

"I love all kinds of stories, though I prefer it if they have a happy ending"

He smiles faintly, setting down his cup and folds his hands in his lap.”But any story you have will do just fine with me, why not tell your favorite? a persons favorite is always the best one to hear”

[conteusemagique]

marerubrum startled the witch

  Much of Wadanohara's free time was spent reading. Besides adding to her ever growing collection of tales, it was important for learning magic. Studying was something she did often. Even now, she had a large book open on her lap, eyes following the lines of words as she sat in silence. The only thing that could pull her attention away from the words was the sound of someone walking nearby. Oh, that must be her familiars returning now! Then they could get ready to go.

     ⚓↠"You guys are back? Are you ready to-"

  Her words were cut short as she looked up to face her familiars. However... That wasn't what she saw when she tore her gaze from the book. What she did see was enough to make her eyes go wide and her heart stop.

     ⚓↠"...Sal?"

  That... didn't make any sense. Samekichi had locked him away in the red sea, hadn't he? So then, why was he standing right in front of her as if he had never returned to that place to begin with?

     ⚓↠"What are you doing here?"

[conteusemagique]

forlornwoes has a visitor

  As much time as Wadanohara spent wandering the land and seas in her travels, there were times when she grew incredibly homesick. She'd find herself quickly longing for the company of her friends and neighbors, and to see that town that had been where she was raised. Not to mention, after all that had happened years ago, she felt that she needed to return every now and then to assure herself the kingdom was in no danger.

  Visiting her friends after so long was nice. She would always get such happy reactions when she arrived at their doors, and they would be quick to update her on their lives and request that she did the same. The little witch had already gone to see many of her friends already. Now, she made her way to the castle.

  Poking her head through the entrance to one of the rooms in the castle, the sight of a particularly familiar person made her face light up. Entering the room, she smiled at the woman situated at a table there.

     ⚓↠Tatsumiya! It's good to see you again."

[conteusemagique]

  That voice was one she recognized, although barely. She had, after all, only heard it twice, a very long time ago. However, it was hard to forget someone like her new guest.

     ⚓↠”Mister Orca!"

  Her gaze had been torn from her task in order to give the killer whale a surprised glance, as if to make sure it was really him that had been the source of that voice. No doubt, it was, and she found herself more than a little uncomfortable now.

     ⚓↠”Um. I usually ask what kind of story my guest likes before I make any decisions."

  She wasn't sure she wanted to ask him anything after what he'd done to Samekichi and tried to do to her. Still, he had helped Tatsumiya as well, and it had all happened years ago. Perhaps she was a little too forgiving, but... Maybe she should give him a second chance?

     ⚓↠”Do you... want to have a seat, Mister Orca?"

That voice did sound familiar, even the clothing had some familiarity to it. Of course, it had been quite some time since their last encounter, though he hadn’t expected to run into the little witch here. It wasn’t a bad spot, it just didn’t seem to mesh well with him.

"What kind of story are you going to tell, little witch?" He asks, stepping closer towards her while looking around this little place. The orca isn’t too sure if the witch would still be willing to offer him a seat at all. "If its an interesting one, I’ll stay." He may just stay no matter what.

[conteusemagique]

pxtchblack flew over the seas

  The moon was full that night, shining its light over the ocean waves so that the sea glittered and sparkled in its marvel. It was nights like that where you'd find Wadanohara near the safety rails of her ship, peering over the water's glowing surface as if to be looking for something.

  On such a night, where everything was illuminated, she would take a step back from the railings and withdraw her ocarina. She would still make a wish, even now, before putting the instrument to her lips and letting the notes fall over the surroundings like steady rain.

  However, on this particular night, her song was cut short by the arrival of a familiar face. Over the waves, she could just spot a broom flying towards her ship, and, on its handle, a certain 'pitch witch' she hadn't seen in a long time.

     ⚓↠”Chlomaki!"

  Her voice rang out to her friend as the other grew nearer, a big smile forming on her lips. Oh, how exciting. Although, she was sure her familiars would be less thrilled if they were to join her out there.

     ⚓↠”It's been a long time. It's good to see you."

[conteusemagique]

+4 want to hear the witch's tale

  A sound at the cabin door was enough to rouse the napping witch from her sleepy state. How good for her. The table was never the most comfortable place to sleep at, no matter how many times she dozed off there.

  Raising her head from the table's surface, she covered her mouth as a yawn escaped. She had slept a bit too long and- Oh! That's right. There had been a noise at the door. Turning to look for the source, she seemed quite surprised to see a new face standing there. My, and she'd kept them waiting how long?

     ⚓↠”I'm sorry! I didn't mean to keep you waiting."

  The little witch gave the stranger an apologetic smile before rising to her feet, brushing down the skirt of her dress. Eyes rose back to the newcomer, and her grin softened to a more welcoming one.

     ⚓↠”I'm the sea witch, Wadanohara. Have you come to hear a story?"